Cozaar is used to treat high blood pressure and also slow the progress of kidney disease caused by type 2 diabetes.
Take Cozaar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. It is recommended that you take it at the same time each day. For example, if you take it every morning before or after breakfast or daily with your meals, then you will establish a regular routine and be less likely to forget your dose.
However, if you forget and miss a dose then take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
You may store Cozaar at room temperature away from direct exposure to heat, light and moisture.
Some of the typical symptoms of an overdose are hypotension (low blood pressure) and abnormally rapid or slow heartbeat. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Maintain caution if you are taking the drug along with a diuretic. Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing a severe drop in blood pressure. Contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Losartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking losartan. Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Losartan can affect potassium levels in the body. When used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, drugs that act by the same mechanism as losartan can cause injury and even death to the fetus. Losartan should not be used during pregnancy. When pregnancy is detected, losartan should be stopped as soon as possible. Losartan is present in rat milk, and is toxic to rat neonates. Therefore, it should be avoided in nursing mothers
Possible Side Effects
In studies of over 4000 patients, including 1200 treated for over 6 months and 800 for over 1 year, the overall incidence of side effects was similar to placebo. Losartan is generally well tolerated. Side effects reported included diarrhea, muscle cramps, dizziness, insomnia, and nasal congestion.
Stop taking losartan and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment If you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or little or no urine. Other side effects are less serious. Continue to take losartan and talk to your doctor if you experience diarrhea or upset stomach, muscle pain or cramps, dizziness, or insomnia. Side effects, other than those listed here, may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.